B-CU ROUNDUP

Missed opportunities doom Wildcats

BY ANDREAS BUTLERDAYTONA TIMES

Bethune-Cookman lost to Coastal Carolina 24-14 in front of 5,465 fans at Municipal Stadium in the first round of the FCS playoffs this past week.

Bethune-Cookman’s Quentin Williams (14) has great protection while looking to pass during the FCS playoff game with Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers ended the Wildcats’ season. (PHOTOS BY ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES)

“I am proud of this team. We had a great season. We have really built this program up to prominence over the past three years,” commented Coach Brian Jenkins of B-CU.

B-CU is 0-4 all-time in the FCS playoffs, including 0-3 at home and 0-2 at home in the past three seasons.

The Wildcats outgained the Chanticleers in total yardage 420-382 but missed opportunities doomed B-CU as well as 10 penalties for 108 yards.

“Its not about what they did; it was about what we didn’t do. We didn’t execute and take advantage of our opportunities,” said Jenkins.

The Chanticleers scored 17 points in the second quarter to lead 17-0 at halftime.

Marred by officials’ calls
Things got strange when B-CU went up for a field goal attempt in the third quarter and was flagged for a false start.

Jenkins called a timeout to speak with officials and soon after the team was flagged for a sideline penalty.

The Wildcats went for it, and it looked as Broderick Waters found K.J. Stroud for a 26-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone but an official review overturned the call.

“We were able to shut them down in the second half with a few adjustments. We knew that we matched up well with them,” stated Fields.

Bethune-Cookman’s Marching Wildcats band prepares for the playoff game.

Game notes
Eddie Poole has caught a pass in each game of his B-CU career (35) and ranks sixth in school history in career receiving touchdowns (17).

Isidore Jackson (1,069) surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season becoming the first Wildcat since Allen Suber (1,053) in 2002 to do so.

Jackson is the third all-time in rushing yards (2,449) and fifth in rushing touchdowns (26). He is on track to become the school’s first 3,000-yard rusher.

Nick Addison’s interception gave B-CU 20 for the season.

Kory Kowalski is now the school’s all-time leader in punt attempts (210) and second in punting yards (7,816).

The game’s attendance was low with students away for Thanksgiving break.

Coastal Carolina comments on B-CU
After the game, Coastal Carolina was happy with their victory and had praise for B-CU.

“I’m proud of our kids. We beat a good football team. Bethune-Cookman has one of the best defenses and running attacks in the country. They can definitely compete in our conference,” said Joe Moglia, Coastal Carolina’s coach.

Johnnie Houston, who returned an interception for a score agreed. “B-CU has a pretty fast and athletic team. I think they can compete in the Big South.”

Quarterback Aramis Hillary, who threw for 180 yards with a touchdown and an interception, stated, “We are excited with this victory. B-CU’s defense was big and physical. They made some plays and I think they can compete in our conference as well.”

10 Wildcats receive top MEAC honors
B-CU’s Brian Jenkins was named MEAC Coach of the Year and Terrance Hackney was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year. Coach Jenkins also received the honor back in 2010.

Joining Hackney on the All-MEAC first team was running back Isidore Jackson and offensive lineman Eugene Solomon.

The Wildcats named to the All-MEAC defense first team were defensive lineman LaBrandon Richardson, linebacker Jarkevis Fields and defensive back Nick Addison. Defensive lineman Harold Love III and defensive back D.J. Howard earned second team defense and offensive lineman Lavon McCoy made the second team offense honors.

Basketball: LadyWildcats drop two
B-CU scored 41 second half points but fell short to Ball State 61-56 on Nov. 23.

Chastity Rene Taylor tallied 20 points and Amanda Hairston 14 points with 12 rebounds and two blocks for the Wildcats.